Tape-loading apparatus

ABSTRACT

This specification discloses apparatus for loading tape into one or more boxes through the open top thereof to achieve an orderly arrangement of the stored tape. The apparatus comprises essentially a horizontal platform on which boxes are received, mechanism for supporting the platform in a desired elevated position and which provides for lowering of the platform, a worm and worm wheel included in said mechanism which maintains the elevated position of the platform, a clutch and means for actuating the second clutch to index downward movement of the platform a distance equal to the thickness of one layer of tape which is delivered to a box through its open top together with mechanism for rendering the actuating means effective upon the completion of each such layer.

r 1 manna States atent [72] Inventor Owen Rodwell Read 71 Orchard Drive, Cumberland, 112.1. 02864 [21] Appl. No. 809,504 [22] Filed Mar. 241, 1969 Patented Aug. 17, 1971 ABSTRACT: This specification discloses apparatus for loading tape into one or more boxes through the open top thereof to achieve an orderly arrangement of the stored tape The apparatus comprises essentially a horizontal platform on which boxes are received mechanism for supporting the platform in a desired elevated position and which provides for {54] TAPE-LOADING APPARATUS 4 Claims, 10 Drawing Fig.

lowering of a worm and worm wheel included in said mechanism which maintains the elevated position of the platrm, a clutch and means for actuating the second clutch to index downward movement of the platform a distance equal to the thickness of one layer of tape which is delivered to a box through its open top together with mechanism for rendering e actuating means effective upon the completion of each m m r .U C a w P 1 h e m m. .m ..s 2X 5 21 QHMGSM m2 ww w aw fl wfimum N 5 a f, 3% 7 S mm mmMz T mm H 6 N u m E mm 10 T. "m MW MA m" W,B G mm i 94 WW mm mm ,WS .HZ $6 1 h U Tu nm M m 7 l H Uwm H H I L 62 1 l s o new U .mF l 1 1.! l @M 2 10 6 27 S 55 5 v: ll fl[ ll 2 PATENTEDAUBIYIQYI 3,599,393

SHEET 1 UP 6 INVENTOR OWEN RODWELL READ flMMiIM ATTORNEY PATENTEDAusmsn 3,599,393

sum 2 OF 6 INVENTOR OWEN RODWELL READ ATTORNEY PATENTED M81 7197! SHEET 3 OF 6 FIG.3 2930 INVENTOR OWEN RODWELL READ ATTORNEY PATENTEU AUG] 71971 SHEET R [If 6 L Fl J] INVENTOR OWEN RODWELL READ ATTORNEY PATENTEU Aum H971 SHEET 5 BF 6 DH 0 T 6 0 T 0 0 N 557m; w mw T 0 m OWEN RODWELL READ BY fluwm Zwd 1 1mm) ATTORNEY PATENTED AUG] 719m SHEET 8 OF 6 INNENTOR OWEN RODWELL READ 4 4 0 A o z 2 I 1 w1- 4 8 7 F 6. IO

$11M jimmy jhi um ATTORNEY TAPE-LOADING APPARATUS The present invention relates to apparatus for loading tape into a box or container through the open top thereof and is concerned primarily with mechanism for causing downward travel of the box a distance equal to the thickness of one layer of tape which has been laid therein upon the completion of such a layer.

' BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION At the present time tape, and particularly'elastic tape of the type included in the waistband of a garment, is packed by the manufacturer in boxes which are shipped to the garment maker. Obviously it is highly important that the tape be susceptible of withdrawal from the box in a smooth and even manner which is not impaired by snarling or entanglement of the tape.

There is now known and available to the public mechanism that delivers tape through the lower open end of a spout or tube and which mechanism includes devices for oscillating the spout so that its discharge end moves longitudinally of a box and to reciprocate the spout laterally a distance equal to the width of the tape whereby the tape may be laid in layers with each layer comprising two lengths of the tape.

With known devices of this character, it is possible to achieve only some degree of orientation of the tape as it is laid. However, with the mechanism now available, the box is held immovable so far as its elevation is concerned once the tape-delivering operation is initiated and as the thickness of the tape mass of laid tape builds up it is literally impossible to maintain the orderly arrangement which is necessary to withdrawal without snarling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The primary object of the present invention is to provide, in tape-loading apparatus of the type aforesaid, a platform which receives boxes to be loaded, mechanism which supports the platform in a desired position of elevation but which prevents lowering of the platform, and means for indexing the platform downwardly a distance equal to the thickness of a layer of tape which has been laid therein upon completion of a layer.

This end is achieved by supporting theplatform from an ar-' rangement of the endless chains, and providing a worm, worm wheel and overriding clutch mechanism which is operatively connected to the chains to hold them against movement causing downward travel of the platform. A drive shaft is connected to the worm at its lower end and its upper end drivably carries a pinion, provided with a second overriding clutch, which is rotated by a rack a predetermined distance upon the completion of each layer. The rack is actuated by the mechanism which causes lateral reciprocation of the tapedelivering spout.

. Various other more detailed objects and advantages of the invention such as arise in connection with carrying out the above noted ideas in a practical embodiment will in part become apparent and in part be hereinafter stated as the description of the invention proceeds.

For a full and more complete understanding of the invention reference may be had to the following description and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of the apparatus of this invention with the tape delivering spout and associated mechanism omitted.

FIG. 2 is a vertical section through the apparatus of FIG. 1 being taken about on the plane represented by the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and looking outwardly at one end.

FIG. 3 is another vertical section similar to that of FIG. 2 and is taken about on the plane represented by the line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and looking outwardly towards the end opposite to that shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal section taken about on the plane represented by the line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a detail in elevation taken on an enlarged scale of the overriding clutch and the mechanism immediately associated therewith.

FIG. 6 is a vertical section on an enlarged scale through the worm, worm wheel and overriding clutch; being taken about on the plane represented by the line 6-6 of FIG 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional detail on an enlarged scale through the upper portion of the drive shaft, second overriding clutch and actuating rod.

FIG. 8 is a sectional detail on an enlarged scale through the driving connections from the overriding clutch to the chains, being taken about on the plane represented by the line 8-8 of FIG. 5.

FIG 9 is a detailed perspective of the platform and its mounting on the endless chains; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective of that much of the tape-delivering spout and associated mechanism which enters into an explanation of the present invention.

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT The apparatus of this invention consists essentially of a supporting framework, a system of endless chains which support a platform, a worm, worm wheel and overriding clutch controlling movement of the chains, a drive shaft having one end operatively connected to the worm, and he other end connected to a pinion thru a second overriding clutch, a rack engaging in pinion and an actuator for the rack.

The tape-delivery spout and mechanism for causing its longitudinal oscillation and lateral reciprocation are not a part of this invention. However a portion of this mechanism is illustrated and described because it enters into the operation of the actuator aforesaid.

The invention is described as applied to the loading of a single box on the platform. In actual practice a plurality of such boxes are positioned on the platform with each box having a longitudinal and a lateral dimension. A tape delivery spout is provided for each box and these spouts oscillate longitudinally and reciprocate laterally.

THE FRAMEWORK The framework is identified in its entirety at F. It is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 as comprising end base members 10 and 11 of inverted U-channel construction. At each end of each base member 10 and 11 is a headed screw 12 which is adjustable for levelling purposes.

Extending between end members 10 and 11 are side struts l3 and 14 also of inverted channel formation. Overlying base end members 10 and 11 are end struts 15 and 16. The struts 12, 14, 15 and I6 define a rectangularly shaped pedestal.

Upstanding from the corners of this pedestal are four uprights 17, 18, 19, and 20 (FIGS. 2 and 4). As shown in FIG. 4 the uprights 17, 19 and 20, are angular in horizontal cross section while upright 18 is of square horizontal cross section.

Extending between the uprights 17 and 20 at their upper ends is a top end strut 21. Similarly another top end strut 22 extends between uprights 18 and 19. Top side struts 23 and 24 extend between the upper ends of the four uprights.

THE CHAINS AND PLATFORM Still referring mainly to FIGS. ll, 2 and 3 a lower shaft 25 has its end journaled in uprights 19 and 18 as indicated at 26 and 27 in FIG. 3.

Shaft 25 drivably carries four sprockets 28, 29, 30, and 31.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a second lower shaft 32 has its ends journaled in uprights l7 and 20. Shaft 32 drivably carries sprocket gears 33, 34, and 35. An endless chain 36, which is more clearly shown in FIG. 5, passes over sprockets 31 and 35 to drive shaft 32 from shaft 25.

An upper shaft 37 has its end anchored to uprights 18 and 19 and rotatable are idler sprockets 38 and 39. An endless chain 40 passes over sprockets 28 and 38 while another chain 41 passes over sprockets 29 and 39. Movement of these chains is controlled or caused by shaft 25.

' mounted for free rotation upon sleeve 100. A fiber washer 103 is interposed between the side of sprocket 31 and flange 101. A second fiber washer 104 is placed over sleeve 100 and against the opposite side of sprocket 31. A disk 105 is slidably mounted upon sleeve 100 and abuts fiber washer 104. A nut 106 is rotatively mounted upon threads 107 provided upon the end of shaft 25. A spider spring 108 is interposed between nut 106 and disk 105 to provide frictional contact between disk 105, fiber washer 104, sprocket 31, fiber washer 103 and flange 101. The rotation of nut 108 increases or decreases the friction through the change of tension in spider spring 108. The function of this torque limiter will hereinafter appear.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a second upper shaft 42 has its ends anchored to uprights 17 and 20. Rotatable on shaft 42 are idler sprockets 43 and 44. An endless chain 45 passes over sprockets 34 and 43 while another chain 46 passes over sprockets 33 and 44. Travel of these chains is caused or controlled by shaft 32 which is in turn driven by shaft 25.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a crossbar 47 has its ends secured to the inner plates of chains 40 and 41 while another crossbar 48 has its end secured to the outer-plies of chains 45 and 46. A platform is identified in its entirety at P. It comprises a rectangularly shaped skeleton including end members 49 and 50. Received in this skeleton is a floor 51. Carried by end member 49 are a pair of suspension brackets 52, the upper ends of which are turned outwardly and fasten to bar 47. Similarly a pair of brackets 53 are carried by end member 50 and have out turned end portions which fasten to bar 48. Thus the platform P is supported by bars 48 and 47 which are in turn secured to the chains.

THE CLUTCH AND DRIVE SHAFT Reference is directed to FIG. 6. A casing 61 fastened to the lower end of upright 18 houses a drive shaft section 60 journaled in bearings 62 and 63 mounted in the top and bottom of casing 61. A stub shaft 55 is journaled in the walls of casing 61 in a well-known manner, as illustrated. A worm 59 is drivably carried at the lower end of drive shaft section 60. A worm wheel 58 is drivably carried on one end of stub shaft 55 for operative engagement with worm 59. An overriding clutch generally indicated by reference character C, is operatively connected to the other end of stub shaft 55. The overriding clutch includes a sprocket 56. A chain 57 passes over the sprocket 56 and Sprocket 31 on shaft 25 (FIG.

The overriding clutch C may be further identified as a FS series model 05 manufactured by FORMSPRAG, located at 23601 Hoover Road, Warren, Michigan.

It is evident that engagement of the worm 59 with the worm wheel 58 holds shaft 55 against rotation. However, when shaft section 60 is rotated, shaft 55 is positively driven, overriding clutch 55 is also in positive drive condition and is operatively driven so as to rotate shaft 25 and lower platform P. Referring momentarily to FIG. 3, shaft section 60 is shown as drivably connected to an intermediate shaft section 64 by a flexible coupling 65. The other end of section 64 is connected to an upper shaft section 66 by a flexible coupling 67.

With continued reference to FIG. 3 and additionally to FIG. 7, shaft section 66 drivably carries a sleeve 68 which is journaled in a tab 69 that outstands from upright 18. A pinion 70 is drivably connected to sleeve 68 by means of sprags located in chamber 70A to thereby provided a second overriding clutch 2C. Pinion 70 meshes with a rack 71 which is moved linearly by actuator arms 72, 72A which upstand from a rod 73 and are adjustably fastened to rod 73.

A guard cover is shown at 54 in FIGS. 1 and 3 as mounted on the lower end of upright 18 to cover sprockets 31, 56 and chain 57.

THE ACTUATING MECHANISM A portion of the tape delivery spout and mechanism as sociated therewith is shown in FIG. 10. Thus a spout 74 is drivably connected at 75 to a shaft 76 from which it depends. The shaft 76 s oscillated by mechanism that is not a part of this invention to cause the discharge end of spout 74 to move longitudinally back and forth over a box into which the tape is delivered.

Shaft 76 is journaled in bearings 77 carried by a movable frame portions of which are shown at 78 and 79. This frame is supported by slide rods 80 which are remounted for sliding movement on frame F.

This movable actuator frame recriprocates laterally of the boxes, or from end to end of the subject apparatus as herein described, under the influence of an air cylinder such as indicated at 89 in FIG. Rod 73 is fixedly secured to the frame so that it reciprocates with it. Arms 81 and 82 carried by the rod 73 engage valve-operating members 83 of the air cylinder to cause reciprocation. Actuator arms 72 and 72A which are also carried by rod 73 engage opposite ends of rack 71 to reciprocate rack 71, slidably supported in bracket fastened to top end strut 22 and by means of arm 91 to top side strut 23.

With each cycle of reciprocation of the movable frame the rack 71 will reciprocate pinion 70. However, between pinion 70 and shaft 66 is overriding clutch 2C, so that rack 71 reciprocates pinion 70 to rotate the shaft 66 in one direction only. With each incremental rotation of shaft 66 the platform P is indexed downwardly. The spacing of arms 72, 72A relative to the opposite ends of rack 71 controls the extent that the reciprocating movement of the actuator frame is imparted to the pinion 70 and shaft 66 and therefore the indexing movement of platform P.

OPERATION While the mode of operation of the above-described apparatus is believed to be obvious from the illustrations of the drawings and description setforth, it is briefly outlined as follows:

A desired number of boxes having open tops are placed on the floor 51 of platform P with the longitudinal dimension of the boxes crosswise of the platform. There will be a spout 74 for each box and this spout will oscillate longitudinally and reciprocate laterally with its supporting framework.

The later reciprocation of of the framework carrying rod 73 will through actuating arms 72, 72A reciprocate rack 71. The rack 71 engages to rotate the pinion 70 in two directions. The overriding clutch 2C is free to rotate in a nonworking cycle in one direction and in a working cycle in the opposite direction when the sprags grip the relative rotating parts so as to rotate shaft sections 66, 64 and 60. Shaft section 60 rotates worm 59 which rotates worm wheel 58 and thereby stub shaft 55. Stub shaft 55 rotates the relative rotatable parts of overriding clutch C which has the sprags engaging the relative rotating parts to place the overriding clutch in operative drive condition. Sprocket 56 of clutch C drives chain 57 and sprocket 31. Sprocket 31 through torque limiter T drives shaft 25 to thereby lower platform P in a indexing motion.

When the platform P is in lowermost position it is manually lifted upward t starting position. This movement is accomplished when shaft 25, rotating in an opposite direction from indexing rotation direction, rotates the torque limiter and through sprockets 31, 56 and chain 57 rotates overriding clutch C in a nonworking cycle so that stub shaft 55 is uneffected by the rotation of sprocket 56.

When it is desired to lower the platform rapidly, instead of thru the rack and pinion drive, an excessive load is applied to platform P which rotates shaft 25, thereby to overcome the friction washer on torque limiter T which grip sprocket 31. Sprocket 31 remains stationary.

The self locking feature inherent in worm 59 and worm wheel 58 type drive, holds platform P in initial starting position. The rack 71 and pinion 70 index platform P downwardly.

Having shown and described a preferred embodiment of the present invention by way of example, it should be realized that structural changes could be made and other examples given without departing from either the spirit or scope of this invention.

What [claim is:

1. For use with tape-delivering mechanism including an oscillating spout through which tape is discharged into a box having an open top, apparatus for causing loading of the box with the tape in an orderly manner, said apparatus comprising: a vertically movable horizontal platform for receiving the box; means for supporting said platform in an elevated position, said means including a worm, worm wheel and overriding clutch, means connecting said platform to said overriding clutch, said worm and worm wheel maintaining said platform in elevated position, a drive shaft operatively connected to said worm, an actuator for said drive shaft, and means for moving said actuator in one direction only under the influence of said tape-delivering mechanism upon the laying of one layer of tape in the box.

2. For use with tape-delivering mechanism including an oscillating spout through which tape is discharged into a box having an open top, apparatus for causing loading of the box with the tape in an orderly manner, said apparatus comprising: a vertically movable horizontal platform for receiving the box; means for supporting said platform in an elevated position, said means including a worm, worm wheel and overriding clutch, said worm and worm wheel engaging for maintaining said elevated position, a drive shaft operatively connected to said worm, an indexing means connected to said drive shaft, an actuator connected to said indexing means, and means for reciprocating said actuator in opposite directions under the influence of said tape-delivering mechanism upon the laying of one layer of tape in a box.

3. For use with tape-delivering mechanism including an oscillating spout through which tape :is discharged into a box having an open top, apparatus for causing loading of the box with the tape in an orderly manner, said apparatus comprising: a framework, a pair of lower shafts journaled in said framework, three circular driving members mounted on each of said lower shafts, an endless drive belt passing over one driving member on each shaft to drivably connect the shafts, a pair of upper shafts mounted in said framework, circular driving members on said upper shafts, a pair of endless drive belts, each passing over a driving members on an upper shaft and one on the lower shaft, a vertically movable platform for receiving the box, means attaching said pair of drive belts to said platform, a casing fastened to said framework, a drive shaft journaled in said casing, a worm fastened to one end of said drive shaft, a pinion, an overriding clutch, means attaching said pinion through said overriding clutch to the other end of said drive shaft, a stub shaft journaled in said casing, a worm wheel fastened to one end of said stub shaft and in operative engagement with said worm, a second overriding clutch including a sprocket means attaching said sprocket to the other end of said stub shaft through said second overriding clutch, drive means between said sprocket and one of said pair of lower shafts, a rack slidably mounted in said framework in operative engagement with said pinion, an actuator for said rack, means for reciprocating said actuator in opposite directions under the influence of said tape delivering mechanism.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which a torque limiter forms part of the drive means between said sprocket and one of said pair of lower shafts. 

1. For use with tape-delivering mechanism including an oscillating spout through which tape is discharged into a box having an open top, apparatus for causing loading of the box with the tape in an orderly manner, said apparatus comprising: a vertically movable horizontal platform for receiving the box; means for supporting said platform in an elevated position, said means including a worm, worm wheel and overriding clutch, means connecting said platform to said overriding clutch, said worm and worm wheel maintaining said platform in elevated position, a drive shaft operatively connected to said worm, an actuator for said drive shaft, and means for moving said actuator in one direction only under the influence of said tape-delivering mechanism upon the laying of one layer of tape in the box.
 2. For use with tape-delivering mechanism including an oscillating spout through which tape is discharged into a box having an open top, apparatus for causing loading of the box with the tape in an orderly manner, said apparatus comprising: a vertically movable horizontal platform for receiving the box; means for supporting said platform in an elevated position, said means including a worm, worm wheel and overriding clutch, said worm and worm wheel engaging for maintaining said elevated position, a drive shaft operatively connected to said worm, an indexing means connected to said drive shaft, an actuator connected to said indexing means, and means for reciprocating said actuator in opposite directions under the influence of said tape-delivering mechanism upon the laying of one layer of tape in a box.
 3. For use with tape-delivering mechanism including an oscillating spout through which tape is discharged into a box having an open top, apparatus for causing loading of the box with the tape in an orderly manner, said apparatus comprising: a framework, a pair of lower shafts journaled in said framework, three circular driving members mounted on each of said lower shafts, an endless drive belt passing over one driving member on each shaft to drivably connect the shafts, a pair of upper shafts mounted in said framework, circular driving members on said upper shafts, a pair of endless drive belts, each passing over a driving members on an upper shaft and one on the lower shaft, a vertically movable platform for receiving the box, means attaching said pair of drive belts to said platform, a casing fastened to said framework, a drive shaft journaled in said casing, a worm fastened to one end of said drive shaft, a pinion, an overriding clutch, means attaching said pinion through said overriding clutch to the other end of said drive shaft, a stub shaft journaled in said casing, a worm wheel fastened to one end of said stub shaft and in operative engagement with said worm, a seCond overriding clutch including a sprocket means attaching said sprocket to the other end of said stub shaft through said second overriding clutch, drive means between said sprocket and one of said pair of lower shafts, a rack slidably mounted in said framework in operative engagement with said pinion, an actuator for said rack, means for reciprocating said actuator in opposite directions under the influence of said tape delivering mechanism.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which a torque limiter forms part of the drive means between said sprocket and one of said pair of lower shafts. 